Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires on the morning of Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
Magnus Avenue fire
At 7:35 a.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the 600 block of Magnus Avenue. The initial 9-1-1 call was made by an off-duty firefighter who had just completed their night shift.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke coming from the house. They launched an interior fire attack. Due to worsening fire conditions, crews were forced to exit the house and transition to a defensive fire attack. Crews used an aerial ladder truck to apply water to the fire. The fire has been declared under control; however, crews will remain on scene into the afternoon putting out hotspots.
Temperatures created challenging conditions for firefighters, with the area around the scene becoming ice-covered and slippery. Crews were rotated in and out of operations as required to provide them with breaks from the cold.
Crews completed a search of the house and no occupants were found. There were no injuries reported.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available, but the house is considered to be a complete loss.
Once Magnus Avenue and the back lane re-open, residents are asked to exercise caution, as water used to fight the fire has frozen and created slippery conditions.
City of Winnipeg crews will be monitoring conditions and applying sand and de-icing agents to roadways and sidewalks as required to improve traction.
Furby Street fire
At 7:50 a.m., WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, three-storey apartment building in the 400 block of Furby Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered smoke and flames coming from the structure. They entered and fought the fire from inside, declaring the fire under control at 9:48 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the structure and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and damage estimates are not available at this time.
There were a number of previous fires at this building, including in March 2020, July 2022, September 2022, and May 2023.
Once the roads in the area re-open, residents are asked to exercise caution, as water used to fight the fire has frozen and created slippery conditions.
City crews will be monitoring conditions and applying sand and de-icing agents to roadways and sidewalks as required to improve traction.